Robert W. Strong Jr.

Major General Robert W. Strong Jr., USAF (Ret) Robert William Strong Jr. died peacefully at home on March 16, 2006. He was born in Painseville, Ohio on November 23, 1917. His father, a West Point grad (class of '15), was a cavalry officer in the U.S. Army, and young Robert grew up in the nomadic, adventurous world of the old-time Army Brat. An alumnus of Valley Forge Military Academy, he entered West Point with a presidential appointment. He graduated in 1940 and earned his wings in 1941. During World War II, he served in the Pacific Theater with the 21st Bomber Command as a B-29 pilot and squadron leader. After the war, he held a variety of positions, including Tactical Officer at West Point, Asst. Air Attache to Canada, student at the Naval War College, and staff officer at Air Force Headquarters in Washington, D.C. In 1956 he returned to the Strategic Air Command as Field Commander. His commands included the 376 Bomb Wing, the Strategic Wing, the 825th Strategic Aerospace Division. In 1963 he was assigned to a three-year tour as Commandant of Cadets at the USAF Academy. From there he returned to SAC with command of the 817th Air Division at Pease AFB. His last USAF assignment was Chief of Staff of the 8th Air Force and senior staff executive in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. In 1970 he retired from the USAF. General Strong received a number of awards during his USAF career, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and two USAF Commendation medals. After retirement from the USAF he became the Superintendent at Valley Forge Military Academy and Junior College, his Alma Mater. General Strong was preceded in death by his parents, Brig. General Robert W. and Mildred M. Strong, and two brothers Walter and 1st Lt. Gordon Strong (West Point graduate). He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Virginia Denit Strong; son David; three grandsons; and two great-grandchildren. Graveside services and burial will be held at the family plot in West Point Cemetery at a later date. The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the wonderful Linda Cook and her family for the devoted care given to General Strong through his last years, and to Odyssey Healthcare for its constant support. In lie of flowers, donations may be made to the Sarver Health Center, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ, 85724, or to the West Point Alumni Association. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, AVALON CHAPEL .